"My husband and I dined in this past Saturday evening. We arrived at 8:40, an hour and 20 minutes before closing. The dining room was already empty except for one table. We were told to sit where ever we liked. Menus were presented by a server 's assistant who asked us if we wanted water while she held a water pitcher in her hands. Another couple arrived and seated themselves directly next to us in a place that had tables to choose from. Immediately, a server approached that table for a drink order. At 8 minutes in, we were still waiting for anyone to approach us, other than the water bearer. We did notice that the staff was seated comfortably at a table just inside the doorway chatting amongst themselves. When the server took the other table 's drink order, I asked if we had a server, as well. He responded that someone would be with us in a few minutes. At this time, we 'd been in the restaurant 15 minutes and were just about to get up. A server approached and asked ' he didn 't take your order? ' as if she were surprised that we were still waiting. We ordered a bottle of wine, pizza with two toppings and an antipasto. The server returned a moment later to ask about the two toppings we had ordered not a minute ago, and we repeated the order. One of the owners approached with the bottle of wine and asked 'do you want to taste it? '. I know it 's not a fine dining establishment, but we 're not eating on paper plates, either, and there is a protocol for pouring wine at the table. She opened the bottle and poured wine into my husband 's glass from a bottle that must be stored in the kitchen. The wine was about 80 degrees. After exchanging a quick look, deciding if it was worth it to not keep the bottle because the wine was so warm, we opted to keep it. It actually got cooler as it sat on the table. We were trying to save this evening and mentioned to the wine bearer that we haven 't been to the restaurant in over 14 years. She seemed genuinely happy that we were in, and proceeded to inform us about the unfortunate passing of the parents who initially began the restaurant, and how she and a sibling were trying to keep it going. That one sentence certainly explained it all. The antipasto arrived with soppresata, prosciutto, marinated olives and mushrooms, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, sharp provolone and about half a pound of sun dried tomatoes. The bread was fresh and warm. The initial water bearer asked if everything was okay. The couple next to us proceeded to speak on their phones, on speakerphone. When only the sundried tomatoes remained on the antipasto plate, we were asked if we were ready for the pizza. The pizza arrived a second later. It was still hot, but not piping hot as you expect when it comes directly from the oven, and you have to wait a few moments before you can try to remove a slice. The pizza is still as good as I remember it. Plenty of toppings, good sauce, nice crust. Just as we were finishing the first slice, each, a box for leftovers was presented and placed on the table. We still had half a bottle of warm wine, and 3/4 of pizza left. We took another slice each, as the majority of the staff seated at the company table watched. It was 45 minutes to closing now, and knew we overstayed our welcome the minute we walked in the door. The server who deigned to take our order initially asked something like 'I guess you don 't want dessert? ', as if saying 'here 's your hat, what 's your hurry? '. The moral of this story is if you want the pizza from Bazzerelli 's, then order it to go. Clearly, they don 't want you in the dining room, at least not any longer. It was nothing like the hospitable place from the early 2000-2010 era when you could have a drink at the bar, or chat with the friendly wait staff at your table. The owner said she was trying to hold it together. Clearly. I hope some changes are made with respect to service. The food is still pretty great."
